A highlight of my Alaska vacation My sister and I chose Pangaea for our 8 hour sea kayaking tour out of Valdez. The morning of our adventure, Valdez was wrapped in... read moreMy sister and I chose Pangaea for our 8 hour sea kayaking tour out of Valdez. The morning of our adventure, Valdez was wrapped in a blanket of fog. We grabbed our lunch from Safeway on our short walk over to the Pangaea tours location. Upon arrival, our tour guides introduced themselves to us, made sure we would have anything we could possibly need to keep belongongs dry, and ensured we would be dry and comfortable for the next 8 hours. Then we hit the restrooms, and walked over to the charter boat where we loaded up, had a safety briefing and were on our way out into the fog. The captain is excellent, very knowledgeable and kind. The tour guides themselves are also great! Our guide was Nadine. Once we got out to the shore from where we launched our kayaks, the fog lifted and revealed the beautiful, glacier carved Shoup Bay. We kayaked up the bay, taking in the incredible views and observing wildlife in their natural habitat. It was smooth and easy kayaking up to the glacier where, once we got close, we navigated the bobbing remnants of glacial calving -- ice ranging in size from softball to queen bed. We landed our kayaks on the glacier shore about 100 yards from the physical glacier, where we secured them and stretched our legs, took (more) photos and basked in the presence of such incredible scenery. Once it was time to go, we launched from shore and took a slightly more adventurous route back to the pick up point. On the way back, we traversed some fast flowing, rough waters of a bottlenecked part of the bay. That was my favorite part! It was challenging and exciting to control the kayak at a fast pace, and it felt much more interactive. I am glad we didn't do that the entire time though because man! my arms were on fire when we got back to Valdez! Eating dinner was tough but it was worth every ache and pain. I highly recommend Pangaea. They showed us an unforgettable experience! Super affordable too! read less

This review is for a Custom 8 Day Alaskan Sampler Multi-Sport Trip, August 2015.

From the beginning to booking this trip, Kristina was extremely kind and... read moreThis review is for a Custom 8 Day Alaskan Sampler Multi-Sport Trip, August 2015.

From the beginning to booking this trip, Kristina was extremely kind and helpful in making the trip exactly what I wanted and working around my schedule. She was great and punctual at communicating, providing detailed answers, itineraries, and breakdowns for me. I traveled alone so she helped find another person to join on the trip as there is a 2 person minimum. She helped incorporate every activity that I wanted and even managed to lower the price by doing so.

Overview: Kayaking and camping through the Columbia Sound (3 days), returned to to Valdez and stopped for rafting with the day group on the way to our flight-see to Kennicott followed by a hike to camp (day 4), Ice Climbing on the Root Glacier, then backpacking across it to camp at Donoho (day 5). Backpacked through Donoho to the Kennicott Glacier then hiked back to the root glacier to camp at our original location (day 6-7), Kennicott tour then returned to Valdez (day 8).

I was able to experience so much in such a short amount of time. Our guide Stan was nice, patient, knowledgeable, and helpful, especially since I've never done anything like this before. He always made us feel safe and was always prepared. He prepared all of our meals and was really good at it! He's funny and was also great at motivating us and keeping us in good spirits when we were tired.

I did extensive research before the trip making sure that I picked the right company and trip. I compared pricing and packages with other companies and Pangaea Adventures was by far the most accommodating, and had the most affordable trips for the activities they offered. They also provide you with any equipment you don't have and it's all clean and in good shape. All of the staff we ran into was friendly and love what they do.

Warning: This isn't your typical "vacation". Sometimes it was physically exhausting, but the incredible sights that could only be seen by this kind of activity was worth every single sore muscle and bruise. I came out of this trip feeling enlightened, stronger physically and mentally, and full of incredible memories! It was more than I could have every imagined. Thank you Pangaea for an experience of a lifetime! read less

Pangaea's laid back store-front and shop keepers on N. Harbor Dr. is a wonderful starting point for this great adventure. Sam (guide) took a... read morePangaea's laid back store-front and shop keepers on N. Harbor Dr. is a wonderful starting point for this great adventure. Sam (guide) took a self-deprecating comical approach to teaching us about safety and what we should expect on our journey. Along the way on our ride out he and Tim (captain and owner) shared facts about Valdez and the Columbia glacier. We arrived and hopped in our boats and paddled around to get our sea legs. Sam then led us through a couple of spots on our way to lunch. Post-lunch we continued our journey into the ice field. Sam's caring demeanor and extensive outdoor experience (NOLS graduate) ensured that our family had a great time. We could have spent a bit more time in the large ice field, but afterwards we all realized how unsafe that zone is. We would definitely return for another tour! read less

Sea kayaking to Columbia Glacier- Awesome!! Had the most amazing adventure sea kayaking into Columbia Glacier, Prince William Sound out of Valdez Alaska. Really great , friendly, professional tour guides with... read moreHad the most amazing adventure sea kayaking into Columbia Glacier, Prince William Sound out of Valdez Alaska. Really great , friendly, professional tour guides with safety a priority to those who were beginners. Absolutely a must to do and everyone so welcoming. Great to see how enthusiastic and passionate these guides are about their place of work. Thoroughly recommend this company and this adventure. Thanks from the kiwi girls..... read less

kayaking to Shoup Glacier Had the best day kayaking in Valdez! Shoup Glacier is seriously underrated! After a short boat ride with our guides Carson and Tim, Carson led... read moreHad the best day kayaking in Valdez! Shoup Glacier is seriously underrated! After a short boat ride with our guides Carson and Tim, Carson led us up toward the glacier. We got some awesome close up views of a pair of bald eagles. Lots of otters playing around. After having lunch right under the glacier, we had a fun ride back through some rougher water. Carson was an awesome dude and we loved chilling with him all day. The owner Tim was also great to talk to and we learned a lot about the area from them. Would highly recommend going through this company for any adventure. Extremely professional, seasoned, and just simply lovely people who were fun to be with. Best of luck to everyone at Pangea Adventures!! read less

Our family went glacier hiking our guide Meredith was amazing we had a great time would recommend it to anyone

Beautiful day on amazing adventure. We went on the Columbia Glacier day kayak tour. Amazing! Beautiful! Once in a lifetime experience. Our guide Chris was amazing. The... read moreWe went on the Columbia Glacier day kayak tour. Amazing! Beautiful! Once in a lifetime experience. Our guide Chris was amazing. The boat captain had great information on the area and made sure we stopped for all the wildlife otters, seals etc. We had a 2 person for my husband and I. read less

Great kayak trip~ Loved our trip, our guide was professional and knowledgeable about the area, and experiencing the glacier in this setting was an unforgettable experience. Can't recommend... read moreLoved our trip, our guide was professional and knowledgeable about the area, and experiencing the glacier in this setting was an unforgettable experience. Can't recommend it enough! read less

Beautiful day on the water Daniel is a friendly and knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed great conversation, scenery,exercise and wildlife.

Spectacular Adventure Pangaea gave us an unforgettable experience sea-kayaking in the gorgeous backdrop of the Columbia Glacier. The sights were amazing and the guides incredibly competent... read morePangaea gave us an unforgettable experience sea-kayaking in the gorgeous backdrop of the Columbia Glacier. The sights were amazing and the guides incredibly competent and supportive. Captain Tim, Seth, and Dan were all very knowledgeable, friendly, and conversational. They sought out wildlife and made sure to pause and let us enjoy otters, eagles, and harbor seals. We floated amongst the icebergs and got a close up and personal view of the glacier. We felt very safe in their charge. I would recommend this experience to anyone...both visitors and residents of our great state of Alaska. Thank you Pangaea. read less

Excellent experience We really enjoyed the kayaking experience. It is a slow season so not so many people out there. The guide did a good job explaining... read moreWe really enjoyed the kayaking experience. It is a slow season so not so many people out there. The guide did a good job explaining everything. It would even be better if lunch could be provided even with a bit extra cost. The afternoon trip can be extended a bit as well, 40 min kayaking after lunch is a bit less. read less

Kayaking in and around Columbia Bay We did an independent kayak trip in and around Columbia Bay and Glacier Island. Pangaea was great at answering our pre-trip questions, dropping us... read moreWe did an independent kayak trip in and around Columbia Bay and Glacier Island. Pangaea was great at answering our pre-trip questions, dropping us off in Heather Bay, and picking us up eight days later on Glacier Island. They even accommodated our change in pickup time and date conveyed the prior evening through our Garmin Inreach. Great service and friendly folks! read less

Amazing Columbia Glacier trip Awe-inspiring trip to the glacier. We had the g amphitheater all to ourselves. All of the guides were great, but Dan was... read moreAwe-inspiring trip to the glacier. We had the g amphitheater all to ourselves. All of the guides were great, but Dan was fantastic. He shared a kayak with our six year old and spent most of the trip answering all of his questions. Highly recommend. Please go before the glacier recedes up on to the land. Won’t be too much longer 🙁 read less

Bucket list...check! We went sea kayaking with Brad at the Columbia Glacier and it was mind blowing. Definitely bucket list material. Great guide! Thank you Brad. I... read moreWe went sea kayaking with Brad at the Columbia Glacier and it was mind blowing. Definitely bucket list material. Great guide! Thank you Brad. I will do it again next time I am in Valdez! read less

Shoup Bay Cabin Trip We spent 3 nights at Kittiwake Cabin and paddled over to Shoup Glacier. Great trip. One glorious day, two fine rainy but sweet days.

A great day to Shoup Glacier This is a not to be missed adventure while visiting Valdez. Our guides Alex and Meridith were very knowledgeable about the area. Most of our... read moreThis is a not to be missed adventure while visiting Valdez. Our guides Alex and Meridith were very knowledgeable about the area. Most of our group never kayaked before. We started by getting fitted with gear and then boarded a boat with our kayaks attached to the top. Along the way we saw otters and seals. We landed at a small beach and started our paddle. We learned about the glacier and how to paddle. The water was calm, so it was not difficult. We had lunch right by th glacier. Hot chocolate, tea and snacks were provided. After the tide started coming in quick Meridith rescued a wayward kayak and we all got back into make the trip back. We went through one section, where the current was faster and it was fun. Highly recommend this trip. read less

AK Highlight! Truly one of the highlights of our 3 weeks in AK! All of our fellow tour guide buddies recommended kayaking Columbia Glacier but using Pangea... read moreTruly one of the highlights of our 3 weeks in AK! All of our fellow tour guide buddies recommended kayaking Columbia Glacier but using Pangea specifically. Our guide, Natan, was rad and full of fun facts and our captain, Tim, was equally as phenomenal and chill. We were lucky enough to see a humpback whale, otters and seals just on our way to the glacier but several more seals once we were out kayaking. It’s incredible how thick the ice was, especially coming out at low tide, and how often you could hear the cracking and calving of the glacier. Solid group that was fun to hang out with after next door at The Fat Mermaid to celebrate a vitally eye-opening experience. read less

Me and my dad rolled into town with no plan on Friday afternoon and walked in to Pangaea looking for a kayaking adventure. We weighted... read moreMe and my dad rolled into town with no plan on Friday afternoon and walked in to Pangaea looking for a kayaking adventure. We weighted the options and the were able to squeeze us on to a guided trip in Shoup Bay. Our guides were fabulous and friendly and helpful and a joy to paddle with. The lunch spot was incredible and the bird cliffs were fun to see. I can't wait to return for another trip!! read less